The first half of 2024 is behind us, let’s take a look at trends in top-earning adventure mobile games. Adventure games usually have a player-controlled protagonist with numerous plot challenges that can be resolved via intellectual effort. The story is essential in this genre. It is no surprise that among the top 10 revenue-earning games of the first half year, 60% revolve around storytelling.
We particularly look into top earners in the first half year of 2024 in the United States. Our primary analysis platform is the iOS App Store. We focus our research on the visuals, specifically icons and screenshots.
The games featured in our analysis:
- June’s Journey: Hidden Objects by Wooga
- Episode – Choose Your Story by Episode Interactive
- Love and Deepspace by Infold Games
- Chapters: Interactive Stories by Crazy Maple Studios
- Love Island: The Game by Fusebox Games
- Identity V by NetEase
- Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery by Jam City
- Last Day on Earth: Survival by KEFIR
- Choices: Stories You Play by Pixelberry Studios
- Winked: Choose, Swipe, Flirt by NANOBIT
Icons
In the first half of 2024, the highest-earning adventure games follow some noticeable patterns. A vast majority (90%) is centered around gameplay, stories, and characters. Among these, half of the icons (50%) feature a single character, while 40% showcase two or more characters, emphasizing the importance of relationships and interactions in the gameplay
In the storytelling sub-genre, the icons often feature multiple characters depicted in close, intimate scenarios or love triangles. These visuals highlight the emotional complexity of these narratives. Furthermore, 70% of the games use a color palette dominated by red, yellow, and brown. Such a palette creates a warm and passionate atmosphere, making the visuals appealing and emotionally engaging for players.
Screenshots
Basics
The top-earning games display a clear pattern in their use of screenshots, and notably, about 70% of these games have opted for a portrait orientation. This choice makes sense, as it aligns with the best display orientation in the iOS App Store. Additionally, many of the games use a set of 6 to 8 screenshots, which helps showcase a comprehensive view of the game’s visual style and key features.
Key selling points
Female perspective
The storytelling sub-genre emerges as the leading segment within the top-grossing adventure games, notably catering to a female audience. Moreover, approximately 60% of these games are from a female perspective or feature a female main character, reflecting a targeted approach to engaging women. Consequently, this trend highlights a targeted approach to resonate with women, emphasizing narratives and fantasies that cater to their interests and perspectives.
Taglines
The majority of games prominently feature taglines in the screenshots. The taglines are typically positioned at the top center of each screenshot in capital letters. It helps to stand out, and ensure that key messages and selling points are immediately visible. This consistent placement and styling of taglines helps capture attention and convey essential game features effectively.
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